Tamper indicative clamp

ABSTRACT

A device for clamping a strap, the device having a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge. The first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from the first surface and toward the second surface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween. The tab member may prevent the device from being slid along the strap by friction created between the tab member and the strap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/494,348, filed Aug. 11, 2003, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference as iffully disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clamps, specifically to clamps that maybe used with tamper indicative devices or locks to repeatedly secure,fasten and grip a strap, belt or similar object, and possibly whenreleased indicate that the clamp has been opened or tampered with.Alternatively, the clamp may be of the one-time-use type, includingintegral frangible elements.

Devices such as laptop computers, luggage, portable radios, hand-heldcomputers, cell phones, PDA's, and other devices are often secured bystraps such as a Velcro® strap. Velcro® is a trademark of VelcroIndustries B.V., Castorue, 22-24, Curacoan, Netherlands Antilles. Suchitems may also be secured by belts or similar articles. However, suchconventional articles may be unlatched, untied or released withoutindicating that the article was opened, unfastened or tampered with.

Today, safety concerns mandate that people know whether personalproperty has been tampered with. For example, many travelers use tamperindicative seals, such as PrivaSeal®, to mark and secure their luggage,by, for example, threading a seal through adjacent zipper pulls onzipper-open luggage. PrivaSeal® is a registered trademark of StantonConcepts, Inc., P.O. Box 139, Stanton, N.J. 08885 USA. Tamper indicativeseals such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,655 issued toFuehrer and hereby incorporated herein by reference may also beutilized. Such application represents an inexpensive and effective wayto mark and secure luggage and travel bags.

Tamper indicative seals are popular because of the ease and convenienceof their application to a variety of objects, including luggage,electrical appliances, and household items. However, such seals aretypically used to secure and fasten articles that have holes or openingspresent to accommodate the tamper indicative seal, so the seal may bethreaded therethrough. When an object is fastened, secured or confinedby a strap or belt, it would be advantageous to be able to secure orfasten the strap or belt with a device, which if opened, would indicatethat the strap or belt securing the object had been tampered with.

Tamper indicative clamps typically are used for numerous applications.For example, they may serve as a convenient means to secure, fasten, andclamp straps, belts, or similar articles, objects and materials and thusare advantageous to travelers, homeowners, students, businesspersons,and medical industry personnel, among others. Furthermore, such clampsmay advantageously serve as a means to detect evidence of tampering oruse.

Clamps of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,981, issued to Glassburnare known in the art and serve a useful purpose in securing a belt orstrap while providing evidence of tampering, if combined with a seal orlock. Notwithstanding, devices such as those disclosed by Glassburnsuffer from substantial drawbacks. For example, in order to effectivelysecure the belt or strap, the Glassburn device includes teeth orserrations throughout the entire interior surface of the device to biteinto the strap. These surface irregularities mar the belt or strap,often in an undesirable manner. Further, the Glassburn device requiresthe use of a separate seal or lock to be effective against tampering. Itwould be beneficial to provide an improved clamp having integral meansfor locking the clamp and indicating tampering, such as may be providedin a one-time use device. Finally, advances in materials andmanufacturing since the advent of the Glassburn clamp allow forintegrally molded clamps to be manufactured much more efficiently andinexpensively than the arrangement of individual parts shown inGlassburn. The present invention addresses these needs in varyingamounts throughout the several embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a device for clamping astrap is disclosed. The device may comprise a relatively smooth firstsurface and a relatively smooth second surface connected to the firstsurface by a hinge. The first surface may have an edge including a tabmember extending away from the first surface and toward the secondsurface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the secondsurface such that when the first surface and the second surface arebrought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strapmay be secured therebetween with the tabbed member preventing the devicefrom being slid along the strap by friction created between the tabbedmember and the strap.

The first surface may further comprise a first latch having a firstaperture and the second surface may further comprise a second latchhaving a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperturebeing in registration when the device is in the closed position.

The device may further comprise a locking element adapted to be threadedthrough the first and the second aperture in the closed position of thedevice to prevent opening thereof.

opening thereof.

The locking element may be either a lock or a frangible seal.

The device may further comprise break-lines in the first surface,wherein the first surface may be ruptured at the break-lines uponapplication of sufficient force upon the break-lines.

The device may further comprise a pull-tab associated with the firstsurface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon the pull-tabruptures the break-lines.

The first surface may include either surface deformations orhook-and-loop type fasteners.

The first surface may further comprise an aperture therethrough and thesecond surface may further comprise a knob, the knob adapted so as toengage the aperture when the device is in the closed position to retainthe device in the closed position.

The aperture may be adapted to capture the knob upon entrance thereinsuch that the knob may not be removed from the aperture without causingphysical damage to the knob or the aperture.

The first surface may further comprise an adhesive portion. The adhesiveportion may be adapted to adhere to the second surface when the deviceis placed in the closed position.

The second surface may further comprise a second adhesive portion, thesecond adhesive portion contacting the adhesive portion of the firstsurface when the device is placed in the closed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a device forclamping a strap may comprise a first surface and a second surfaceconnected to the first surface by a hinge, the first surface may includesurface irregularities covering less than the entire first surface,wherein a strap may be placed between the first surface and the secondsurface such that when the first surface and the second surface arebrought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strapmay be secured therebetween, the surface irregularities preventing thedevice from being slid along the strap.

The first surface may further comprise a first latch having a firstaperture and the second surface may further comprise a second latchhaving a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperturebeing in registration when the device is in the closed position.

The device may further comprise a locking element adapted to be threadedthrough the first and the second aperture in the closed position of thedevice.

The locking element may be either a lock or a frangible seal.

The device may further comprise break-lines in the first surface,wherein the first surface may be ruptured upon application of sufficientforce upon the break-lines.

The device may further comprise a pull-tab associated with the firstsurface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon the pull-tabruptures the break-lines.

The first surface may include either a tab extending from an edge of thefirst surface toward the second surface or hook-and-loop type fasteners.

The first surface may further comprise an aperture therethrough and thesecond surface may further comprise a knob, the knob adapted so as toengage the aperture when the device is in the closed position.

The aperture may be adapted to capture the knob upon entrance such thatthe knob may not be removed from the aperture without causing physicaldamage to the knob or the aperture.

The first surface may further comprise an adhesive portion, the adhesiveportion adapted to adhere to the second surface when the device isplaced in the closed position.

The second surface may further comprise a second adhesive portion, thesecond adhesive portion contacting the adhesive portion of the firstsurface when the device is placed in the closed position.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a clampfor securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap may comprise afirst surface integrally molded to a second surface with a living hingetherebetween, the clamp may have an open position in which the firstsurface is spaced from the second surface and a closed position in whichthe first surface is directly adjacent the second surface such that astrap end and strap body may be secured between the first surface andthe second surface.

The first surface may further comprise a first surface latch and thesecond surface may further comprise a second surface latch, each of thefirst surface latch and the second surface latch may have aperturestherethrough. The apertures may align when the clamp is in the closedposition such that a locking device may be threaded therethrough toprevent the clamp from being placed in the open position.

The locking device may be integrally molded to the clamp.

The locking device may comprise a head portion adapted to be insertedfreely into the apertures, but which may only be removed from theapertures destructively.

The clamp may further comprise score lines associated with the firstsurface to permit the clamp to be severed along the score lines usingless force than required in areas of the clamp not including scorelines.

The clamp may further comprise a pull tab associated with the firstsurface and the score lines, the pull tab may be adapted to sever theclamp along the score lines upon application of tension upon the pulltab.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, aclamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap maycomprise a sheet of flexible material having a first side and a secondside, and a first end and a second end. The first side may have a tabmember extending therefrom at the first end. The clamp may have a firstaperture extending therethrough at the second end. The first side mayfurther comprise a portion between the first aperture and the secondaperture having hook and loop type fasteners, the clamp having an openposition in which the single sheet of flexible material is substantiallyflat and a closed position in which the single sheet of flexiblematerial may be bent such that the tab member may penetrate the firstaperture to enclose the end of the strap against the body of the strap.

The clamp may further comprise a second aperture extending at leastpartially through the clamp at a location between the first aperture andthe tab member, the tab member penetrating the second aperture in theclosed position.

The claim may further comprise a scored section, the scored sectionpermitting the clamp to be severed readily.

The hook and loop type fasteners may be adapted to interact with thestrap to prevent the clamp from sliding relative to the strap.

The tab member may be adapted to be readily insertable into the firstaperture but may only be removed therefrom destructively.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a devicefor securing an end of a strap may comprise an elongate strip offlexible material having a first end and a second end, the first endhaving an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein the device has an openposition in which the device is substantially flat and a closed positionin which the device may be wrapped around the strap such that theadhesive may connect the first end of the device with another portion ofthe device.

The another portion of the device may comprise additional adhesivedisposed thereon, the additional adhesive may interact with the adhesiveto bond the two together.

The adhesive and the additional adhesive may be two components of atwo-part bonding system, such that when brought together the adhesiveand additional adhesive react to form a bonding agent.

The device may further comprise a score line, the device adapted to besevered along the score line to release the device from the closedposition.

The device may further comprise a light adhesive layer, the lightadhesive layer abutting the strap in the closed position such that thedevice may not slide with respect to the strap.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a pluralityof devices for securing the end of a strap to the body of a strap maycomprise an elongated strip of flexible material having a first end anda second end, the first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, whereineach of the devices has an open position in which the device issubstantially flat and a closed position in which the device may bewrapped around the strap such that the adhesive may connect the firstend of the device with another portion of the device.

Each of the devices may be stored in tandem on a roll.

The roll may include a barrier layer between layers of the devices onthe roll.

Each of the devices may be stored adjacent to each other in a sheet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a devicefor clamping the end of a strap to the body of a strap may comprise afirst surface, a second surface, and means for arranging the surfacesaround a strap body and a strap end to secure the strap end to the strapbody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a tamper indicative clamp inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in an openposition;

FIG. 1B depicts another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with thepresent invention, in a closed position, securing a belt or strap;

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the clamp inaccordance with the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of yet another embodiment of a clamp inaccordance with the present invention in a closed position;

FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 2A in a closedposition together with a tamper indicative seal securing the clamp;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clampin accordance with the present invention in a partially locked position;

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp inaccordance with the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in apartially closed position;

FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in apartially closed position;

FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in afully closed position together with a belt or strap fastened by theclamp;

FIG. 4E depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 4A together witha belt or strap fastened by the clamp;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a clamp in a closed position inaccordance with a still further embodiment of the present inventiontogether with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp;

FIG. 5B depicts a top view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in an open position;

FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in an openposition; and

FIG. 5D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in aclosed condition together with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected and it is to be understood each specific term includes alltechnical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

One aspect of the present invention provides a device for fastening,securing and clamping belts, straps, or similar articles and objects.The device, a tamper indicative clamp, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention, may include a clamp lower surfaceupon which a strap, belt or similar article rests and a clamp uppersurface that is placed over the strap, belt or similar object. Thedistal ends of both the clamp upper and lower surfaces may be connectedby a traditional hinge, or alternatively may be connected by a livinghinge. Thus, the clamp upper and lower surfaces may be moved intoproximity with each other with the strap, belt or similar articlesandwiched therebetween. The clamp upper and lower surfaces may becomprised of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal. Alternatively,the clamp may be made of flexible material, such as cloth or rubber.

Whether made of a rigid or flexible material, at least one knob andsocket may be placed on the clamp upper and lower surfaces,respectively. For example, a knob may be positioned on either the clampupper surface or the clamp lower surface. A corresponding knob socketfor the knob may be positioned on the opposite surface. When a strap orbelt is positioned on the clamp lower surface and the clamp uppersurface is moved toward the lower surface, the placement of the knobinto the knob socket may result in the clamping and securing of thestrap or belt in the tamper indicative clamp. Preferably, the knob andsocket are configured such that the knob may not be released from theknob socket without permanently damaging the clamp in a readilynoticeable manner.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the clamp upper andlower surfaces may have, on one or both surfaces, side flanges. When theclamp upper and lower surfaces are moved in close proximity, a strap,belt or similar article located between the clamp upper and lowersurfaces is secured by the side flanges, thereby preventing movement orslippage of the strap, belt or similar article, without marring the beltor strap greatly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the clamp upper andlower surfaces may have, on one or both surfaces, raised projections onthe interior lower surface and interior upper surface. Preferably, theraised projections cover less than the entire surface of the clampinterior, such that the belt or strap is not marred excessively. Whenthe clamp upper and lower surfaces are moved in close proximity, astrap, belt or similar article present between the clamp upper and lowersurfaces is secured by the raised projections, thereby preventingmovement or slippage of the strap or belt. Alternatively, the tamperindicative clamp may have any combination of raised projections, sideflanges and at least one knob and socket.

When the tamper indicative clamp is made of flexible material, such as astrip of cloth, rubber, paper, synthetic paper, or the like, the clampmay have a strong adhesive present at either end of the strip, or onboth ends on opposite surfaces. Between each end, the intended interiorportion may have a light or mild adhesive to prevent a belt or strapfrom sliding along the interior of the tamper indicative clamp made offlexible material when installed. It will be appreciated that the strongadhesive will secure the clamp such that tampering will compromise theclamp, making such tampering activity known to the user.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-5 depict various embodiments ofthe clamp device in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1A, inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, depicts atamper indicative clamp 110 with upper surface 117 connected to lowersurface 119 by a medium such as a hinge 112. The lower surface 119 mayhave at least one side flange 114 extending upward toward the uppersurface 117. Alternatively, upper surface 117 may have at least one sideflange 114 extending downward toward the lower surface 119, as shown inFIG. 1B, or both upper surface 117 and lower surface 119 have at leastone flange 114. Upper latch 120 is attached to upper surface 117. Itwill be appreciated that the flanges 114 help to prevent the clamp 110from being slid along the belt or strap when secured, without marringthe belt or strap adversely. Lower latch 122 is attached to lowersurface 119. In certain preferred embodiments, a plurality of upperlatches 120 or lower latches 122 may be attached to upper surface 117and lower surface 119, respectively.

FIG. 1B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,depicts a tamper indicative clamp 110 securing a belt or strap 111. Theclamp 110 may be positioned such that the strap 111, including the strapbody 113 and strap end 115, is located between upper surface 117 andlower surface 119, as shown in FIG. 1B. It will be appreciated that inorder to secure the ends of the belt or strap, the clamp 110 must bepositioned over a portion of the strap 111 which is doubled-up, such asafter the strap has been looped through a buckle and tightened againstthe subject object.

Upon moving upper surface 117 toward lower surface 119 by the rotationabout the hinge 112, upper latches 120 and lower latch 122 align to formaligned latch apertures 118.

In FIG. 1B, the upper surface 117 has two side flanges 114 which extendtoward the lower surface 119. The side flanges 114 engage the strap 111to prevent sliding of the clamp 110, when positioned. The side flanges114 locally depress the strap 111, but are not intended to penetrate thestrap or cause permanent damage.

An object may be inserted into the aligned latch apertures 118 of thelatches 120, 122 to secure the tamper indicative clamp 110. For example,a tamper indicative seal, such as a PrivaSeal® or a conventional lock,may be threaded through aligned latch apertures 118.

In this embodiment, the tamper indicative clamp 110 is preferablycomprised of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic.Alternatively, the tamper indicative clamp 110 may be comprised of aflexible material, if so desired.

FIG. 2A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,depicts a tamper indicative clamp 210 in an open position with raisedprojections 230 on the interior lower surface 228. Raised projections230 may be present on interior lower surface 228 and interior uppersurface 224, as shown in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, raised projections 230may be present only on interior lower surface 228 or interior uppersurface 224. In preferred embodiments, the raised projections 230 do notcover the entire surface area of the interior surfaces 224, 228.Ideally, the raised projections 230 are included only on the interiorlower surface 228 so the visible areas of the strap or belt are notmarred.

FIG. 2C depicts a closed tamper indicative clamp 210, wherein a tamperindicative seal 213 has been positioned through latch aperture 218formed by the alignment of upper latch 220 and lower latches 222. FIG.2B shows a side view of a clamp 210, wherein upper surface 217 and lowersurface 219 are parallel, having been moved toward each other byrotation of hinge 212.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the clamp is preferably formedfrom plastic or similar material, and the hinge 212 is preferably aliving hinge. Preferably, the hinge 212 is compliant enough such thatthe clamp 210 will have a long service life, without the hinge breakingafter only a few uses.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with thepresent invention. In FIG. 3, the tamper indicative clamp 310 includes apull-tab 334 attached to the upper surface 317. The clamp also includesa locking tab 338 connected to the upper latch 320 by a locking tab arm336. Locking tab 338 may be inserted into latch aperture 318, therebysecuring and locking the tamper indicative clamp 310.

Locking tab 338 preferably includes a mushroom shaped head 339 which maybe inserted into the latch aperture 318, but which may not be removedwithout compromising the structure of the locking tab 338 in adestructive process. In this regard, latch aperture 318 may include aninternal mechanism, such as a flange (not shown), which permits passageof the mushroom head in only a single direction.

In order to remove the tamper indicative clamp 310 from a strap, belt orsimilar object, the pull-tab 334 may be pulled upward to rupturebreak-lines 352 provided on the upper surface 317. This causes the uppersurface 317 to fracture, thus permitting the tamper indicative clamp 310to separate from the object it was secured to. The break lines aregenerally localized areas where the strength of the clamp 310 has beencompromised. This may be achieved by providing a series of penetrations,such as perforations, or by other conventional means.

FIGS. 4A-E depict clamps in accordance with still further embodiments ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, a tamper indicative clamp410 may include hook and loop fasteners 440 on the inside surface 441,upper knob sockets 442 extending through the clamp 410 at its second end443, knobs 444 at a first end 445 of the clamp, and lower knob sockets454 extending through the clamp 410 at its lower surface 419. FIG. 4Bdepicts the clamp of FIG. 4A in a partially closed position. Adjustmentof hinge 412 moves upper exterior surface 416 and upper knob sockets 442in close proximity to upper exterior surface 416′ and upper knobs 444(not shown) located on the interior upper surface 424 at the first end445 of the clamp. A break-line 452 may be positioned on the tamperindicative clamp 410 were desired. FIG. 4C shows a side view of theclamp 410 of FIG. 4B, where upper knob sockets 442 are aligned withlower knob sockets 454. To clamp, fasten, and secure the tamperindicative clamp 410, upper exterior surface 416 with knob 444 is movedabout hinge 412 toward upper knob sockets 442 and then lower knobsockets 454. FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG.4C, where the tamper indicative clamp 410 is closed around a belt orstrap. To close the clamp, knobs 444 having mushroom shaped heads 445are inserted first into upper knob sockets 442 and then lower knobsockets 454, in a one-way type connection. The one-way connection isachieved because of the configuration of the mushroom shaped head 445,wherein the head may be inserted into the knob sockets 442, 454, but maynot be removed without noticeable deformation or fracturing. FIG. 4Edepicts a tamper indicative clamp 410 securing and fastening a texturedstrap 411, by surrounding the strap body 413 and strap end 415. Theinside surface 441 with hook and loop fasteners 440 may engage thetextured strap 411 to prevent the clamp 410 from sliding once positioned(not shown). In this regard, the textured strap preferably includes hookand loop type fasteners which may mate with those hook and loopfasteners 440 found on the inside surface 441 of the strap 410 toprevent movement of the strap relative to the belt.

FIGS. 5A-D depicts yet another embodiment of the clamp of the presentinvention. In FIG. 5A, a tamper indicative clamp 510, formed from acompliant material, is clamped to a belt 511, so as to secure the beltbody 513 and belt end 515. A break-line 552 is shown existing across thetamper indicative clamp 510 having ends secured using a strong adhesive.FIG. 5B depicts a top view of the clamp 510, in accordance with thisembodiment. Clamp inner surface 548 may be smooth or have a lightadhesive 556 coating. Depending on the use desired, the amount, widthand length of light adhesive 556 used may vary. FIG. 5C depicts a bottomview of the clamp 510 in accordance with this embodiment. Clamp outersurface 550 may be smooth or textured. If desired, writing or otherdistinctive features may be placed on clamp outer surface 550. Thewriting may be of a nature particular to a specific group or individual,such as a trademark, logo or insignia. There may also be alphanumericnumber sets printed on the clamp so the user can readily identify theclamp that the user installed. Finally, a blank area may be left so theuser can sign his or her name, or place some other distinguishing mark.

Each end of the tamper indicative clamp 510 may have a section of strongadhesive 546, with the section of strong adhesive 546 on opposite sidesof the clamp 510. In that regard, the clamp may have strong adhesive 546on inner surface 548 at one end and strong adhesive 546 on outer surface550 at the other end, or vice versa.

FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of the clamp and strap of FIG. 5A,wherein the section of strong adhesive 546 of clamp outer surface 550 isin contact with the section of strong adhesive 546 of clamp innersurface 548 to secure the clamp 510 upon strap 511. Preferably, theinner surface 548 of the clamp 510 includes a light adhesive to preventthe clamp from being slid along the strap 511.

Although shown as a single strip, a series of clamps such as clamp 510of FIGS. 5A-D may be provided on a roll, similar to a roll of tape. Ifso provided, the clamps may be connected at score lines, such that asingle clamp may be selectively disconnected from the roll for use. Suchscore lines may preferably be weaker than the break line 552 within thelimits of the clamp 510. The clamps provided on the roll are typicallyflexible, such that they may “hinge,” or bend, at a multitude of areas,rather than in a predetermined region.

In addition, it will be appreciated that a protective barrier made ofplastic or similar material, may be placed between each layer of clampswithin the roll to prevent them from sticking to each other. If providedin a roll, each clamp on a given roll may be stamped with a singleidentification number, or each clamp may be stamped with successiveidentification numbers, depending on the intended use.

As an alternate embodiment, the clamps 510 may be provided with only onesection of strong adhesive, so long as the adhesive is of sufficientstrength. If so provided, a roll of such clamps may not require aprotective barrier between layers as two adhesive sections will not bein contact. Finally, if provided with two sections of strong adhesive,it will be appreciated that the adhesives may be pressure sensitive ormay be a two-part type, such that they do not generate full adhesionuntil the application of pressure or a chemical reaction between thesections.

The preferred embodiments incorporate the novel elements of thisinvention to result in clamping, fastening and securing belts, straps orsimilar objects such that the belt, strap or similar object may beeasily and quickly secured, while providing a construction thatindicates tampering.

The tamper indicative clamp may be formed from metal, plastic, paper,synthetic paper or similar material. The strength and thickness of thematerial and construction may be determined based on manufacturing andeconomic criteria, and the particular embodiment.

The intended applications for these tamper indicative clamps involveuses to secure, fasten and clamp belts, straps and similar objects,while providing indication of breakage or tampering of the clamp. Theseapplications require dependable and efficient fastening and clamping ofthe tamper indicative clamps. One objective of this invention is toprovide a device to meet these requirements. The result may be seen as areusable tamper indicative clamp providing the degree of usefulnessrequired by the application, ease of use, functional reliability, costeffectiveness, and providing a novel operation. Alternatively, thetamper indicative clamp may be of one-time use. Such tamper indicativeclamps would provide for a method of securing and fastening items withtamper indicative features not currently available.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the teachings of any of thevarious embodiments may be employed throughout the remainder of theembodiments, such that a clamp in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention may incorporate combinations of features notspecifically described or referenced in combination herein. For example,a clamp may incorporate a combination of tabs 114 as shown in FIG. 1Aand surface irregularities 230 as shown in FIG. 2A, even though thatspecific combination is not specifically reference herein.

1. A device for clamping a strap, said device comprising a relatively smooth first surface and a relatively smooth second surface connected to said first surface by a hinge, said first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from said first surface and toward said second surface, wherein a strap may be placed between said first surface and said second surface such that when said first surface and said second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween, said tabbed member preventing said device from being slid along the strap by friction created between said tabbed member and the strap.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises a first latch having a first aperture and said second surface further comprises a second latch having a second aperture, said first aperture and said second aperture being in registration when said device is in said closed position.
 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a locking element adapted to be threaded through said first and said second aperture in the closed position of said device to prevent opening thereof.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said locking element is either a lock or a frangible seal.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising break-lines in said first surface, wherein said first surface may be ruptured at said break-lines upon application of sufficient force upon said break-lines.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said device further comprises a pull-tab associated with said first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon said pull-tab ruptures said break-lines.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface includes either surface deformations or hook-and-loop type fasteners.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises an aperture therethrough and said second surface further comprises a knob, said knob adapted so as to engage said aperture when said device is in said closed position to retain said device in the closed position.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said aperture is adapted to capture said knob upon entrance therein such that said knob may not be removed from said aperture without causing physical damage to said knob or said aperture.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises an adhesive portion, said adhesive portion adapted to adhere to said second surface when said device is placed in said closed position.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein said second surface further comprises a second adhesive portion, said second adhesive portion contacting said adhesive portion of said first surface when said device is placed in said closed position.
 12. A device for clamping a strap, said device comprising a first surface and a second surface connected to said first surface by a hinge, said first surface including surface irregularities covering less than the entire first surface, wherein a strap may be placed between said first surface and said second surface such that when said first surface and said second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween, said surface irregularities preventing said device from being slid along the strap.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises a first latch having a first aperture and said second surface further comprises a second latch having a second aperture, said first aperture and said second aperture being in registration when said device is in said closed position.
 14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a locking element adapted to be threaded through said first and said second aperture in the closed position of said device.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said locking element is either a lock or a frangible seal.
 16. The device of claim 12, further comprising break-lines in said first surface, wherein said first surface may be ruptured upon application of sufficient force upon said break-lines.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein said device further comprises a pull-tab associated with said first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon said pull-tab ruptures said break-lines.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface includes either a tab extending from an edge of said first surface toward said second surface or hook-and-loop type fasteners.
 19. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises an aperture therethrough and said second surface further comprises a knob, said knob adapted so as to engage said aperture when said device is in said closed position.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein said aperture is adapted to capture said knob upon entrance such that said knob may not be removed from said aperture without causing physical damage to said knob or said aperture.
 21. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises an adhesive portion, said adhesive portion adapted to adhere to said second surface when said device is placed in said closed position.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein said second surface further comprises a second adhesive portion, said second adhesive portion contacting said adhesive portion of said first surface when said device is placed in said closed position.
 23. A clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap, said clamp comprising a first surface integrally molded to a second surface with a living hinge therebetween, said clamp having an open position in which said first surface is spaced from said second surface and a closed position in which said first surface is directly adjacent said second surface such that a strap end and strap body may be secured between said first surface and said second surface.
 24. The clamp of claim 23, wherein said first surface further comprises a first surface latch and said second surface further comprises a second surface latch, each of said first surface latch and said second surface latch having apertures therethrough, said apertures aligning when said clamp is in said closed position such that a locking device may be threaded therethrough to prevent said clamp from being placed in the open position.
 25. The clamp of claim 24, wherein said locking device is integrally molded to said clamp.
 26. The clamp of claim 25, wherein said locking device comprises a head portion adapted to be inserted freely into said apertures, but which may only be removed from said apertures destructively.
 27. The clamp of claim 24, wherein said clamp further comprises score lines associated with said first surface to permit said clamp to be severed along said score lines using less force than required in areas of said clamp not including score lines.
 28. The clamp of claim 27, wherein said clamp further comprises a pull tab associated with said first surface and said score lines, said pull tab adapted to sever said clamp along said score lines upon application of tension upon said pull tab.
 29. A clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap, said clamp comprising a sheet of flexible material having a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end, said first side having a tab member extending therefrom at said first end, said clamp having a first aperture extending therethrough at said second end, said first side further comprising a portion between said first aperture and said second aperture having hook and loop type fasteners, said clamp having an open position in which said single sheet of flexible material is substantially flat and a closed position in which said single sheet of flexible material may be bent such that said tab member may penetrate said first aperture to enclose the end of the strap against the body of the strap.
 30. The clamp of claim 29, further comprising a second aperture extending at least partially through said clamp at a location between said first aperture and said tab member, said tab member penetrating said second aperture in said closed position.
 31. The clamp of claim 29, further comprising a scored section, said scored section permitting said clamp to be severed readily.
 32. The clamp of claim 29, wherein said hook and loop type fasteners are adapted to interact with said strap to prevent said clamp from sliding relative to said strap.
 33. The clamp of claim 29, wherein said tab member is adapted to be readily insertable into said first aperture but may only be removed therefrom destructively.
 34. A device for securing an end of a strap, said device comprising an elongate strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, said first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein said device has an open position in which said device is substantially flat and a closed position in which said device may be wrapped around the strap such that said adhesive may connect said first end of said device with another portion of said device.
 35. The device of claim 34, wherein said another portion of said device comprises additional adhesive disposed thereon, said additional adhesive interacting with said adhesive to bond the two together.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein said adhesive and said additional adhesive are two components of a two-part bonding system, such that when brought together the adhesive and additional adhesive react to form a bonding agent.
 37. The device of claim 34, wherein said device further comprises a score line, said device adapted to be severed along said score line to release said device from said closed position.
 38. The device of claim 34, wherein said device further comprises a light adhesive layer, said light adhesive layer abutting the strap in said closed position such that said device may not slide with respect to said strap.
 39. A plurality of devices for securing the end of a strap to the body of a strap, each of said devices comprising an elongated strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, said first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein each of said devices has an open position in which said device is substantially flat and a closed position in which said device may be wrapped around the strap such that said adhesive may connect said first end of said device with another portion of said device.
 40. The plurality of devices claim in claim 49, wherein each of said devices is stored in tandem on a roll.
 41. The plurality of devices claim in claim 40, wherein said roll includes a barrier layer between layers of said devices on said roll.
 42. The plurality of devices claim in claim 39, wherein each of said devices is stored adjacent to each other in a sheet.
 43. A device for clamping the end of a strap to the body of a strap, said device comprising a first surface, a second surface, and means for arranging said surfaces around a strap body and a strap end to secure the strap end to the strap body. 